Marrie from Portland, OR

The campus is small and nestled in a safe neighborhood in SW Portland. I feel safe here alone at night.

Greek Life

There is none and there will be none. Sorry.

Clubs and Activities

There are not a bunch of clubs here. I know of the student government, commonwealth, the ceramics club, and a curators club. The process for starting a club here is pretty easy so if the club you want doesn't exist you can make it happen! The student government plans activities monthly, from holiday parties, free taco lunches, free restaurant outings, and the end of year party. The campus also puts on various art sales during the year. We also have a weekly e-newsletter that announces the many artist talks and local pdx events we have access to as students here.

Great for these types of students

The Oregon College of Art and Craft is a good fit for students who aren't afraid to push themselves and work hard. If you like late nights in the studio and art critiques this school is for you!

Bang for the buck

My experience has been that a lot of the materials I need for class can be purchased on campus or close by at a good price. Each department has a resale locker and offers materials way below the box store sticker price. Also, I have only had to purchase one text book. The student activity fee pays for a year long transit pass and year long Portland Art Museum pass. I think the education I am receiving is worth the price I am paying.

What to do for fun

The campus is a short public transit ride away from the great city of Portland. You can find more things to get into out here than I have room to type up. My favorites are the first thursday gallery walks. Usually led by and instructor or artist in residence a group of us get together and go gallery hoping around town hitting up openings. The school also provides a yearly transit pass paid for by student fees, so galavanting around town is easy and free.

Food and Dining

The cafe on campus has pretty good food and offer a meal plan to students.

Dorm Life

I don't live on campus but I'm envious of those that do. Portland traffic is a drag and the students that live on campus wake up like 10 minutes before class and make it there on time. The houses are actually residential houses too, so they feel cozy, and they're pretty affordable.

Academic Rigor

OCAC encourages you to make the best work you can and to constantly strive to do better. Getting an A here is hard, so don't expect to coast through. Sometimes a project is a flop but that's okay, because to learn the most you can here you have to be a little fearless and try things that might fail. This Could Fail was a motto I picked up here from one of my foundation classes. They want you to reach for heights that you might not grasp every time, but the process of failing teaches you more about the craft and about yourself.

Tips for prospective students

If you are planning on attending this school be ready to work hard! They don't hand out A's here. The school expects a lot from you and pushes you to create better work with each project. This is not a place for people that just want to get through school for a degree, it is a college for serious art students.

In three sentences

This school offers a challenging art education with an emphasis on craftsmanship.

You never know when some new art piece will show up in a tree, or the elevator, or the courtyard...

What to do for fun

Anything you can think of. Portland has everything a big city does, everything a non-urban environment does, and is a short drive from the beach or the mountain.

Food and Dining

There are lots of stores and restaurants near here. The on campus cafe does have 3 student menu items a day and they are good.

Dorm Life

I never lived on campus but all of the houses are cute and fully stocked.

Academic Rigor

This school is incredibly challenging. The focus is- always- on Craftsmanship. Long studio hours will be required to pull off good grades- and A's are tough to get. Which just means so much more when you earn them!

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work extremely hard. This is NOT a party school. Get to know the Staff and not just the Faculty, they can help you in many ways. Be open to the experience. Be willing to fail with a project, you will learn so much.

In three sentences

The campus is stunning, the faculty is top notch and the students are focused and motivated.

Amanda from McMinnville, OR

Just go and explore the Portland area! The more you explore, the more fun you have, the more friends you meet, and most importantly all the memories that you will make!

Food and Dining

I have not had much of the food on campus but from what I hear, it is some of the best food!

Dorm Life

I didn't have the best roommate, plus my room was probably the smallest room of all and sharing it with a disgustingly messy person didn't help. Over all though, the houses were cute and right next to the houses. I wish that the school did more house checks by surprise though, to keep everyone doing their chores!

Academic Rigor

OCAC is always pushing you in all your classes to do the best that you can do. It may seem hard at times but it is always to make you a better artist!

Tips for prospective students

This school is perfect for anyone who loves art. There are many different types of classes to take and learn from. When declaring a concentration with the school, keep your mind open to all the possibilities you have! You can always switch later, but it is good to have an open mind when it comes to your art.

In three sentences

OCAC helps students create artwork that is outstanding. They help you find ways to further your future with art. They also have the best art studios I have ever seen!

Cassie from Beaverton, OR

01/17/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
4 of 8

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Small school. Horrible lighting on campus at night, but the campus is in the middle of a pretty nice neighborhood. I've heard of car break-ins once a year or so, but definitely no violence to speak of. People are pretty trusting on campus.

Art instillations pop up randomly around the term, and will sometimes get in your way, or cause you to stop and think. I find them to be funny, charming, and interesting.

Bang for the buck

It's an art school, so you're still going to have to pay a lot. But hey, at least it's not an Art Institute.

What to do for fun

Basically, nothing on campus. Go into Portland, and there's lots to do there.

Food and Dining

The Hands-On Cafe is DELICIOUS if you can afford it. It serves good-for-you, local food.

Dorm Life

No dorms. On-campus housing seems alright.

Academic Rigor

I find some of the academic classes to be FULL of readings that I don't think most people do. Essays, tests, and projects for academic classes are mild to moderate.

Tips for prospective students

Find out-of school activities to do in Portland. Don't be a giant hipster. Don't start smoking because everyone else does.

In three sentences

Wonderful, intimate school that values quality and craftsmanship as well as concept in art. Experienced, intelligent, and understanding teachers teach small classes with lots of hands-on and project-based learning in studios.

Katherine from Portland, OR

Take the bus down the hill. Go downtown. Hike around Washington Park. See art in the Pearl district and Old Town.

Food and Dining

No gross cafeteria food here. Just a great family-owned cafe--The Hands-0n Cafe. They serve lunch and dinner to the public and offer discounted meals for students. Menu changes daily.

Dorm Life

No dorms. Just 2 houses on campus. Only a few students live there. Very convenient.

Academic Rigor

This is a school for serious art students. Be prepared to spend long hours in the studio.

Tips for prospective students

If you want to succeed here, you will spend most of your waking hours on campus. Fortunately it's such a great community that you will like being here all the time. Everyone is approachable and willing to help.

In three sentences

This is THE most special place in all of Portland. Great faculty, staff and students. Great art, wonderful community, beautiful campus.

Jordan from Thornton, CO

This school is great for people who like to get to know everyone. You will not be able to hide at this school. This school is small, close knit community that offers hands on learning and teaching.

Tips for prospective students

You should apply as soon as you can! If you aren't sure about the school you should call the admissions crew and they'll help you answer any question that you may have. There are also daily campus tours available that are given by current students. My advice is to apply because they will do anything they can to help you (the student) fund your education. This school is unlike any other!

Bang for the buck

The tuition seems very pricey but you are receiving top notch, hands on education. All of the professors here are renowned in the subject that they teach and there will be no disappointments. There are a lot of options in regards to scholarships as well. This school offers a large number of need based and merit based scholarships of varying amounts for special applicants.

Am enjoying being here

This school is on the 20 bus line and is just minutes from Portland. I love the mix of the secluded studio spaces and the large city feel that you can receive almost instantly. I also love the small campus size because I feel like less of a number and more like a real person to the college. I know all of the staff and they know me!

Am learning a lot

The course rigor at this school is unlike any other. I was pleasantly surprised by the foundations program and concentration program. This college offers hands on learning in your craft field of choice while also allowing you to reach into other mediums to try new art forms. The interdisciplinary program offered here is reason enough to attend!

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